An arson task force in Lincolnshire is offering free removal of unwanted cars in a move to cut the number of burnt-out vehicles in the county.

The amnesty offers free removal of any vehicle in the next two months.

Inspector Clive Currie of Lincolnshire Police said abandoned cars were a prime target for arsonists.

"We have had already had 25 requests to remove vehicles in two days, so if that trend continues for the next two months, we will have our work cut out," he said.

European targets

He said Lincolnshire Fire Brigade was called out to deal with vehicle arson at least once every day.

Last year the emergency services in the county responded to 700 car arson incidents.

Later this autumn, European guidelines will call for all vehicles to be broken down and recycled at the end of their useful life.

Lincolnshire officials fear these regulations will mean a huge increase in unwanted and abandoned vehicles.

The county's arson task force, which is based in Gainsborough and brings together the expertise of the police and the fire service, was set up just over a year ago.